Keezhadi Excavation

Prelims: Current events of National and International importance | History

Why in News?

Archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna, whose excavation at Keeladi in Tamil Nadu drew the nation’s attention, was transferred yet again, this time from New Delhi to Greater Noida.

• Keeladi is a tiny hamlet in the Sivaganga district in southern Tamil Nadu.
• It is about 12 km south-east of Madurai and is located along the Vaigai River.
• Archaeologists had initiated excavations at a site known as the Pallichanthai Tidal in Keeladi, a place that was originally a coconut grove spanning 100 acres.
• It was in Keeladi that they unearthed over 7,500 ancient artifacts including wall structures, drainage systems and wells, all evidence of a sophisticated urban society that thrived.
• Carbon dating also revealed that the elements are over 2,160 years old, dating back to the 2^nd century BCE, Sangam period in Tamil history.
• Most importantly, there was no evidence of religious symbols at the excavation site, which hinted at the secular nature of the civilization.
  • The presence of a vibrant, sophisticated urban society in Keeladi
  • The strong structures oriented in cardinal direction suggesting systematic urban planning
  • Port shreds with Tamil Brahmi inscriptions indicating a highly literate society
  • The graffiti of the sun and moon demonstrated the astronomical sense of the people
  • An ivory dice pointing to the presence of an elite society

• Key discoveries include a plethora of artifacts like pottery, inscribed potsherds, gold ornaments, and weaving tools, suggesting a vibrant and literate culture.
• The Keeladi excavations are crucial for understanding the transition from the Iron Age to the Early Historic Period and the subsequent cultural developments in Tamil Nadu.

Reference